Ordinary Time, Proper 4, Year C, Old Testament

Scripture: 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29), 30-39

This week’s Scripture passage is a story about the prophet Elijah, as told in 1 Kings. In this story, Elijah encounters the Prophets of Baal, who worship a God other than the God of Elijah. The prophets and Elijah have a contest to see whose god is more powerful. Though they pray and call on their god all morning, the prophets are unsuccessful. Then, Elijah calls on his God, and God burns Elijah’s sacrifice, even drying up the water that is poured over the altar. Through this act, people see the awesome and mighty power of God. Elijah’s prayer was answered.

Trinity Sunday, Year C, Old Testament Lesson

Scripture: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31

This week’s text comes from the book of Proverbs, a book traditionally classified as “wisdom” literature. This book teaches us how to live good and wise lives. The passage in Proverbs 8 exalts wisdom (portrayed as a female character) and reminds us that she was with God from the beginning of creation. Furthermore, all are invited to seek wisdom, as she is found in many different places.

Seventh Sunday of Easter, Year C, Acts Lesson Plan

Scripture: Acts 16:16-34

Today we hear how Saint Paul gets arrested with his friend Silas for healing a slave girl. The owners did not like this healing because it meant she could no longer make them money by telling fortunes. Paul and Silas pray and sing hymns while in prison reminding themselves that God is with them and they are not alone.

Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year C, Acts Lesson Plan

Scripture: Acts 16:9-15

Today we hear how Saint Paul followed God’s guidance. He traveled and preached where he was led. Lydia heard this preaching and was baptized with her whole household. When we believe in Jesus we do Christian things and follow where God invites us to go.

Fifth Sunday of Easter, Acts of the Apostles Lesson Plan

Scripture: Acts 11:1-18

Today we hear how Saint Peter was shown that all that God made was good, even people that are different from us. Sometimes it is easy to forget that everyone is good and we should respect them, especially when we do not agree with the other person. God desires for all people to know the love he has shown for us in Jesus.

Second Sunday in Easter, Acts of the Apostles Lesson, Year C

Scripture: Acts 5:27-32

Note: During Easter, we read from the Acts of the Apostles rather than from the Old Testament as we focus on Jesus’ life and ministry and the life and ministry of the apostles.

Today we find Peter & the apostles preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ and his resurrection. It is not always easy to do something you know is right. This is especially true when you face peer pressure or punishment. Today’s lesson invites us to think about how we might find strength to do the right thing, even when it is hard.

Easter Sunday, Acts Lesson Plan, Year C

Scripture: Acts 10:34-43

Note: During Easter, we read from the Acts of the Apostles rather than from the Old Testament as we focus on Jesus’ life and ministry and the life and ministry of the apostles.

Today we find Peter preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ and his resurrection. It is not always easy to stand up and say the things you believe, especially when you are telling people that a dead guy really is not dead. Today’s lesson reminds us that God gives us the courage to be signs of Jesus’ life and resurrection.

Palm Sunday, Year C, Old Testament Lesson

Scripture: Isaiah 50:4-9

It is Palm Sunday! Isaiah 50:4-9 is read in all three lectionary years, regardless of which Gospel account is given. This reflects the long understanding of the Christian church that Jesus is the suffering servant described in Isaiah.

Fourth Sunday in Lent, Year C, Old Testament

Scripture: Joshua 5:9-12

In this week’s lesson, we move forward in time again, to the time of Joshua, just after the people of God have ended their 40 years of post-Exodus wandering in the desert, and have crossed the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land. The lesson today takes place between this river crossing, which has many parallels to the crossing of the Red Sea in the Exodus story, and the battle of Jericho.

Third Sunday in Lent, Year C, Old Testament

Scripture: Exodus 3:1-15

In this week’s lesson, we move forward in time from the story of Abraham, to the time that the people of God are slaves in Egypt. We hear how God calls Moses to lead the people to freedom, and promises to be with Moses as he does this. Through Moses’ action, God will fulfill the promise made to Abraham that his descendants will live in the land that God had given him.